Gloucester soldier killed in Iraq

A Gloucester County man was killed in Iraq Wednesday, family members told The Daily Journal of Vineland today.

Army Pvt. David J. Bentz, of Newfield, was reportedly killed sometime Wednesday, his uncle, Robert Bentz, said. Pvt. Bentz is believed to have died in an attack on an armored personnel carrier, though details remain sketchy. The Department of Defense has not formally announced Bentz's death.

Bentz is the third service member with ties to New Jersey killed in Iraq in recent days. Army Sgt. Eric Snell of Trenton was killed Monday after a firefight with insurgents in Baghdad. Army Spc. Farid Elazzouzi of Paterson died from wounds he suffered June 14 when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his vehicle in Kirkuk.

At least 77 service members with ties to New Jersey have died in Iraq.

Bentz was the son of Lena Butterworth of Millville and David Bentz Jr. of Newfield and was a 2004 graduate of Clayton High School. He completed his basic training late last year.

"My nephew was very proud to be part of the services, and this loss couldn't have come at a worst time," Robert Bentz said, noting that the army private's father who is critically ill and in the hospital.

"Too often, we here in America forget that our freedoms are courageously protected by those men and women who serve in uniform," Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. "Our nation owes them, and in particular Private Bentz, a debt of gratitude for their unwavering commitment and selfless sacrifice."

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of David Bentz, who served his country with honor and distinction," LoBiondo said.